Karen Marie Flanagan (Jette) Dowling, 69, of Colchester, Vt., passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday, December 22, 2024, after a well-fought battle with Parkinson’s disease and Sjögren’s syndrome. Born on June 8, 1955, the beloved only child of Francis and Marie (Ronald) Flanagan, Karen had a generous, thoughtful and giving nature that made her a pillar of strength and encouragement to her family and friends, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and service to others.
Karen’s journey began in St. Albans, where she attended St. Mary’s School and Bellows Free Academy. She graduated from Trinity College of Vermont with a degree in history, then worked as a staff aide to former U.S. senator Patrick Leahy in Washington, D.C., and Burlington, Vt. She later earned a second degree in early childhood education and dedicated herself to a long career in education and child advocacy in Chittenden and Franklin counties, leaving a lasting impact on the communities she served.
Karen married her first husband, Norman Jette, in 1980, and became a loving, lifelong maternal figure to his 4-year-old daughter, Meredith. Five years later, they welcomed their daughter, Alison. After her eventual divorce, Karen navigated life as a single mother, raising Alison with devotion. Karen’s life immensely changed when she and Michael Dowling kindled a relationship in 2002, later marrying on January 1, 2014. Together, they enjoyed many adventures, including attending Red Sox games, University of Vermont hockey games, the theater, concerts and her cherished annual visits to Ogunquit, Maine.
Music was a constant in Karen’s life, from playing guitar in her youth to joining Mike in the South Burlington Community Chorus. Her musical tastes were varied, from ’60s and ’70s folk and classic artists like the Beatles and Bruce Springsteen to Celtic music, Vermont’s Weston Priory and New York Metropolitan operas. She enjoyed teasing her daughters by loudly playing the music of Enya and Yanni.
Karen was happiest when surrounded by family and friends, hosting weekly family dinners, game nights and annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. She loved keeping a window open for fresh air despite the weather, feeding the neighborhood birds and spoiling her grand-dogs with treats. A proud Democrat, Karen followed politics avidly, enjoying good-natured debates with friends across the aisle.
She was particularly passionate about encouraging young women to take leadership roles, a value she embodied in her involvement with the Jaycees. As a leader in the Vermont Jaycee Women during the 1970s and ’80s, Karen rose to the position of state president before the merger with the men’s organization. She was awarded a senatorship by the Vermont JCI Senate for exceptional leadership. From 2020 to 2023 she served as vice president of the Vermont JCI Senate and became the scholarship chair in 2022, a position she held at the time of her passing.
Despite the overwhelming challenges of multiple autoimmune conditions, Karen approached each obstacle with fierce determination. Though these conditions gradually took away her physical independence, her independent spirit and sense of humor remained strong. One of her accomplished moments was holding her grandson, Nolan, after his birth — a goal she achieved with pride despite the physical limitations she faced. Throughout it all, she embodied resilience: “Nevertheless, she persisted.”
Karen is survived by her husband, Michael Dowling; daughters, Alison McConnell (Andrew) and Meredith Connolly (Darren); grandchildren, Kate Connolly and Nolan McConnell; brother-in-law, Mark Dowling (Christopher Perrera); cousin, Shirley Cota, who was like a sister; and many friends and colleagues. She was predeceased by her parents, Francis and Marie Flanagan, and her first husband, Norman Jette.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Noah Kolb, Dr. Marie Sandoval, the Shepardson 4 Infusion Clinic team, and caregivers Edith Wilkerson and Joyce Mabiei. Special thanks are also given to OT Bridget King, UVM Home Health nurse Laura Turner, nurse Mary Meunier, and all the healthcare professionals who supported Karen and her family.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 11, 2025, 11 a.m., at Holy Family Church, 30 Lincoln St., Essex Junction, VT. Donations in Karen’s name can be made to the New England Hemophilia Association (newenglandhemophilia.org), an organization of which she and Michael have been longtime supporters.
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This article appears in Dec 25, 2024 – Jan 7, 2025.